Harry's afternoon continued to go downhill after his argument with Cho. He'd gone to his lesson with Snape, but Snape was immediately called away and told Harry to come back tomorrow morning.

But Harry decided to hang around. Snape had been using his pensieve before he walked into the room. It was just sitting there. Snape spent a lot of time screwing around in Harry's head. Why not have a look and see what was in Snape's head?

Of course, Harry regretted his decision almost immediately. He regretted it even more when Snape caught him and was so furious that he didn't even yell at Harry. Simply told him to leave and that there would be no further Occlumency lessons.

"You okay?" Hermione asked as they finished dinner.

"It's just been a remarkably bad afternoon," he said.

"At least we get to leave for the holiday tomorrow," Ron said.

Yes, there was that small miracle. Although it was sure to be uncomfortable being with Rory for three weeks with her dad. She was only just now seeming to start to tolerate him. And he hadn't stopped thinking about her since the DA meeting and her patronus. Their conversation last night.

"Whatever I feel for you, whatever my patronus is, it doesn't matter."

Everything was too much and he just wanted to go to sleep for the next few months.

"You don't think it'll be weird being with Rory that whole time?" Ron asked.

"Oh, it definitely will be," Harry replied. "Probably the least of my worries, if I'm being honest."

Harry glanced down the table and saw Rory sitting with Matilda and Neville. But Stephen was standing beside her, a hand on her shoulder. She was turned around on the bench facing him, nodding along with whatever she was saying. Then she smiled and let out a sigh, Harry knew this look well, pretending to be exasperated at something, but she definitely intended to give in.

He watched Rory get to her feet and head toward the Entrance Hall with Stephen.

"Did something happen with Rory today?" Hermione asked.

He looked away from the Entrance Hall and over to his friend. "Oh. No. We chatted for a few minutes outside Umbridge's office this afternoon, but that was all."

He knew he shouldn't ask. He didn't need to ask. But why not? His evening was already filled with regrettable interactions. What was one more?

"Does Rory hang out with Stephen a lot lately?" he asked.

"More than she used to, I guess," Ron replied. "They've had a lot of extra choir practices because of that thing after Easter."

"Oh, right. I forgot all about that. Plus they study together," Hermione said. "I suppose that makes more sense about why he'd be walking her back to the tower so often."

Harry nodded. He'd noticed that as well.

"Are you sure things are okay?" Hermione asked. "You don't usually ask about her."

"Was just curious," Harry said.

"Did you ask her about her patronus?" Hermione asked.

Harry laughed dryly. "She threatened to hex me if I ever brought it up, so no. Not that it matters." He heard Rory's voice in his head again. It doesn't matter.

"That's how she reacted when we asked her as well," Hermione said. "But I was doing some reading about Patronuses actually, and I found out that-."

"I'm actually going to head to bed," Harry said getting to his feet. "I'll see you in the morning."

He didn't wait for his friends to argue and headed from the Great Hall. He got to the top of the stairs in the entrance hall when he heard someone call out to him. He looked down the stairs and saw Cho running up to him.

"Hey," she said.

"Hey," he replied.

"I'm sorry. About earlier," Cho said. "Marietta was out of line. And I shouldn't have said what I did about Rory. I was just... It doesn't matter. I shouldn't have said it. But Marietta's my best friend. I have to defend her, even when she's being stupid. I know you'd do the same if it was Ron. And there was no reason to bring Rory into it all. Just my own stupid insecurities, I guess."

Harry was surprised. He'd done the bulk of the apologizing when he was dating Rory. He'd fully expected Cho to be breaking up with him right now.

He nodded. "I think we're all entitled to being a bit unsure of how to navigate all this."

Cho smiled and kissed him. "I knew you'd understand. And I really am sorry for what I said about Rory. I know... It's not really fair to ask you not to talk to her. You're in the same house and you have classes together."

"Not to mention I'm spending Easter with her," Harry said. Cho's eyebrows furrowed. "What is it?"

"She's going with you?" Cho asked.

"We're going to the same place," Harry said. "We'd both really rather not be stuck together for three weeks."

Cho didn't say anything, but it was clear that she would also rather this not be the case as well.

"I promise it'll be fine," he said. "I'm glad you think Rory and I could be friends. I don't think she's interested though. No offense, but likely because of you."

"She didn't like me before," Cho said with a shrug. "I'm sorry we don't get along, I wish we did."

"Me too," Harry agreed. It would make his life so much easier. "Things might not be so awkward."

"Maybe I can talk to her... Sort things out," Cho said. "She seems pretty into Stephen these days honestly."

Harry agreed, but also, Rory had told him just last night that she was in love with him. So it was hard to really get a read on where her head was at. He didn't know if talking to her would help.

"Maybe I can make your holiday a bit more tolerable," Cho said. "Can't hurt, right?"

"Don't go out of your way," Harry said. "It's not that big of a deal. And knowing Rory it could make things worse. I'd leave it alone."

"Okay," she said. She took hold of his hand. "Walk me to Ravenclaw Tower? I won't get to see you after tomorrow for three whole weeks."

Harry nodded. "Of course."


"Musical passive resistance is a stunning idea, but I also think it would be more satisfying just to hex her," Ara said.

Stephen's idea of singing unapproved songs at the choir concert after Easter break had gone over surprisingly well with the other members of the choir, especially since he'd volunteered to fall on the proverbial sword if they got into trouble. Rory didn't plan on stabbing anyone in the back if it came down to it, but it was a nice gesture all the same.

They'd gotten use of the choir room by insisting that they were going to do some extra rehearsals before break so they'd all be ready when they reunited in a few weeks. Flitwick could not have cared less. Since Umbridge was in charge now, most teachers had developed a very hands-off attitude. If there was an issue, surely Umbridge could handle it since she knew how to do everything and knew perfectly well how to run a school. By all means, she was free to run it.

Mostly it meant that in the days since the DA was disbanded, Fred and George had taken to setting off firecrackers in the hallways, teachers were actively turning a blind eye to Peeves' shenanigans, and letting a dozen or so teenagers gather unsupervised for "choir practice" was probably no big deal.

"I also agree that hexing her is my top choice, but I think if I bypass getting expelled and jump straight into having a criminal record, my dad will fully drop dead," Rory said.

They were closing up the choir room, Stephen locking the door behind them when they heard a voice in the corridor.

"Hello."

The trio turned and were surprised to see Cho standing there, though it was obvious she was not thrilled to be there.

"What's up, Cho?" Stephen asked.

"Not much," she said with a sigh. She looked at Rory. "Can I talk to you?"

Rory froze. She wanted to bolt in the other direction but decided to not behave like a crazy person and at least gauge the situation.

"You want to talk to me?" Rory asked.

Cho nodded. "Don't be weird about it."

Ara scoffed behind Rory, and she shushed her. Although, Rory also wanted to say "How the hell are we going to have a conversation and not be weird about it?"

"Uh, fine, I guess," Rory said.

"I'll see you on the train tomorrow," Stephen said, patting Rory on the shoulder. He gave Cho a nod and walked off with Ara.

Rory and Cho stood alone in silence for a few seconds.

"I know you said not to be weird," Rory started.

"But this is weird," Cho said.

"It's weird," Rory repeated.

"Very weird."

"Fucking weird," Rory said. "What on earth could you possibly want to talk to me about?"

Cho thought a moment before answering. "It's about Harry."

"I'm not talking to you about Harry," Rory said firmly. "I want no part in whatever you've come here to say to me."

Rory had nothing more to say on the matter.

"I just wanted to clear the air," Cho said.

"Not interested," Rory said dismissively.

"I know you want to still be friends. It makes sense. You were friends before weren't you?" Cho asked.

"Yes. 'Before' and 'were friends,' meaning past tense," Rory said.

"He still wants the two of you to be friends," Cho said. "And I just wanted to tell you that I'm fine with that."

Rory told herself, don't take the bait. Just tell her "thank you" and walk away, like any normal, rational person would do when their ex's new girlfriend was trying to be friendly. That's what her dad would tell her to do.

But Remus Lupin was not there and Rory could not remember the last time she felt like a normal, rational person.

"You're 'fine' with Harry and me being friends?" Rory asked.

Cho nodded. "I just know you didn't want him to be my friend because-."

Rory held up a hand. "I'm going to go ahead and stop you right there and give you five seconds to turn around and walk away and pretend like you never attempted to have this conversation with me."

"You can't be serious," she said.

"I am perfectly fucking serious," Rory said. "What are you trying to prove right now? That you trust Harry more than I did? That you're just a way better girlfriend than I could ever hope to be? Well, good for you."

"I know things shouldn't have happened like they did," Cho said.

"You spent months actively pursuing a boy who already had a girlfriend. You set out for things to go down like this, Cho. Don't patronize me," Rory said.

"I came here to say that I know that not being able to be friends with me was a source of contention between the two of you," she said.

"Did he tell you that?" Rory asked. Then she scoffed. "Of course not. Harry doesn't say things like 'a source of contention.'"

"Are you saying he's stupid?" Cho asked.

"Never. But he is direct and he wouldn't waste his time saying something like that when he could just say 'I don't understand why it bothers you that I talk to Cho Chang so much.' And I know that because he said it to me. Many times," Rory said.

"And why did it bother you?" Cho asked.

Rory felt like she had whiplash. "What do you want me to say? That I was jealous? That I was insecure? Of course I was. Some random floozie was throwing herself at my boyfriend and he didn't have sense enough to tell her to fuck off."

Cho grimaced at this.

"It took ages for Harry to tell you that you needed to step off because we were together. And when he finally did, time and time again you ignored it. So no, maybe I never explicitly told him not to be your friend, but why would I want him hanging around someone who has so little respect for our relationship?" Rory asked. "So I may not like that the two of you are together, I certainly don't like you, but if Harry had any kind of backbone you would have been a non-issue."

Cho went to speak again, but Rory wasn't finished.

"I don't know what he said or did that made you feel insecure enough to seek me out to try and make nice with me, but my advice is to tell him what's bothering you. I told him numerous times what was bothering me and he never fucking listened. And then he kissed you. And now you're dating. But I'm sure things will absolutely be different for you," Rory said. "He's your problem now."

"My 'problem'?" Cho asked.

Rory nodded. "If Harry weren't being a problem for you right now you wouldn't be here trying to talk down to me to make yourself feel better."

"I'm here talking to you as a favor for Harry. I almost wish I hadn't," Cho said.

"I certainly wish you hadn't," Rory said.

"He told me he wished that you and I could learn to get along and be friends," Cho said.

"Well, when you run off to find him for your goodnight fooling around session, tell him I'm not interested in being amicable with you," Rory said.

Cho flushed pink and for a moment seemed very taken aback. But she regained her composure quickly. "I've already had my 'goodnight fooling around session' with Harry, but I'll be sure to pass the message along tomorrow after our goodbye fooling around session before he leaves for the Easter holiday,"

Rory felt like she'd been slapped in the face even though she'd set herself up for such a response.

"Goodnight and fuck off," Rory said.

Rory started to walk off.

"You know, I actually talk to Harry," Cho said. "If you spent more time talking instead of trying to get in his pants maybe we wouldn't be having this conversation. It's possible to do both, know?"

Rory said nothing and marched away. She'd seen Harry and Cho kiss more times than she was happy with, but she'd never thought beyond that. Had things gone beyond what she'd seen? She and Harry had been together for nearly a year before things got to the point where hands were sneaking their way beneath clothes. But at that point, they'd never kissed anyone before each other, never been close with someone else. But he had the experience now. Would it be easier to go further sooner now? It made her feel sick to think about Harry being with someone else like that.

"Goodnight," Cho called after Rory.

She felt like she was in a fog as she stomped back to Gryffindor tower. When she made her way into the common room, she saw Harry sitting with Ron and Hermione by the window. She marched over to them.

He looked up at her.

"Rory?" Harry asked.

"Tell your girlfriend to leave me alone. I don't want to talk to her or be her friend and when I say I don't want to talk, I mean it," Rory said.

"Rory," Harry started. Rory held up a hand.

"I don't want to hear it. I don't care," Rory said.

She stomped up to her room. Neville and Matilda were there, sitting on Matilda's bed, books in their laps.

"You seem grumpy," Matilda said.

"I just don't know who the fuck Cho Chang thinks she is," Rory said. "She literally found me just to say 'I'm such a good girlfriend that I want you and Harry to be friends and since you don't want to be friends, I'll pass the message along to him in the morning after I'm finished shoving my tongue down his throat.' The audacity."

"Did she really say that?" Neville asked.

"She wasn't as catty, but she was still definitely being a bitch," Rory said. "I told her to fuck off and I told Harry to tell her not to speak to me, which I did say to her before I told her to fuck off. And yes, I really said both of those things."

"Well, you're always telling people to 'fuck off' if you don't want them to bother you," Matilda said. "That shouldn't be a shock, especially not to Harry. "

"Well, Cho is probably going to tell him I was being a bitch or something," Rory said. "And I was definitely being a super bitch about it, but also people kind of take it personally when you tell their girlfriend to fuck off."

"Harry never did," Neville said. "At least, he never stood up for you when it mattered."

"Don't I fucking know it," Rory said. Then she groaned. "It's bullshit that my patronus is a snowy owl. Fuck Harry Potter. Fuck Cho Chang. This whole situation is crap and it's not fair that I have to know that he's impacted me so deeply that part of my soul reflects him. And every time I start to think 'we can work this out and at least be friends' I get hit by a fucking train that says 'do not trust this asshole' on the side of it. And then Cho."

Rory stopped herself. She didn't want to voice the thought aloud.

"What is it?" Matilda asked.

"Do you think Harry and Cho are..." Rory started.

"Sleeping together?" Neville asked.

"No. He wouldn't. I mean, we were together for ages and we weren't... It wasn't... We talked and neither of us was ready for that," Rory said.

"Oh, you're wondering if he and Cho have been as handsy as the two of you?" Matilda asked with a waggle of her eyebrows. "You two didn't get beyond tongue-kissing until September though."

"Yeah, but once you've established that you're willing to cross that line, it's easier to do it a second time," Rory said. "And Cho's older than me. And Cedric was a seventh year. I'm sure she wouldn't have any trouble-."

"You're going to make yourself insane if you keep thinking about this," Neville said.

"And I'm sure I won't think about it at all over break," Rory said. "I don't know why they want me to come home anyway. Better be something important."


Harry was not sure what happened between his conversation with Rory the afternoon before and when she walked into the common room that night and practically shouted at him. He only knew that it had something to do with Cho.

After breakfast, he sought her out. It kind of irritated him that she was so elated to see him.

"I was afraid I wasn't going to get to see you before you left," she said. She kissed him and then took hold of her hand. "I tried talking to Rory last night-."

"Uh, yeah. I heard you had a chat," Harry said. "What exactly did you say to her if you don't mind me asking?"

"Exactly what I told you. I told her that you think it'd be good if we were able to get along, She didn't want to hear it though," Cho said.

"I gathered that. In fact, I think I told you she was more than likely not interested and not to bother," Harry said. "I think maybe she felt like you were antagonizing her. She kind of yelled at me."

Cho immediately dropped his hand. "And you think it's my fault?"

"Kind of, yeah," Harry said with a nod.

Cho's jaw dropped. "Do you know she told me to 'fuck off' when I tried to talk to her?"

"She told me that she said that she didn't want to talk to you, so of course she said that," Harry said.

"I can't believe you're taking her side over mine," Cho huffed.

"I'm not taking her side, Cho. But she did tell you she didn't want to talk, and I told you she didn't want to talk, so, of course, she got angry with you," Harry said.

Cho crossed her arms and groaned. "It certainly sounds like you're taking her side."

Harry groaned and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I can't do this."

Cho was stunned and Harry was surprised he'd said the words himself.

"You can't do this?" she asked. "You're breaking up with me?"

Harry thought back to all the times Rory had told him that he hadn't taken her side, that he hadn't put her feelings first, that he cared more about Cho than he did her.

And right now, he definitely did think he was putting Cho first, trying to head off any trouble before it became a true problem. And now Cho was thinking the same way Rory had,

No, he could not do this anymore. He would not do this again.

"I am," he said. "Cho... Rory was so jealous of you for no reason. And in all the time you and I have been together she hasn't talked to me about you once. Has gone out of her way not to talk to me entirely when possible. She told you she didn't want to talk and you egged her on."

"How do you know I egged her on?" Cho asked.

"She doesn't tell people to fuck off for no reason and she told you she didn't want to talk," Harry said. "You could've walked away when she said she didn't want to talk and you didn't."

"And how do you know-."

"I know, Rory," Harry said. "She doesn't back down when she's confronted. She can be mean even, but she doesn't go out of her way to antagonize people."

"And you think I do?" Cho asked.

"Rory never spoke to you if she didn't have to when we were dating, and I promise she had a lot of choice words for you that she always kept to herself. If all she did was tell you to 'fuck off' then she was kind of holding back," Harry said.

Cho's jaw dropped and tears clouded her eyes. "I can't believe you'd say that."

Harry groaned. "You're not going to start crying again are you?"

Suddenly Harry felt a white-hot pain across the side of his face. It took him a second to realize Cho had smacked him.

"You can fuck off, Harry Potter," she said and stomped away.

Harry was stunned for a moment standing there in the entrance hall, even as people whispered and snickered.

"I have to be honest, you kind of deserved that."

Harry looked up and saw Ginny. He sighed. "Think you might be right. Also, think I might be cursed."

"Definitely cursed," Ginny said, tapping her forehead where Harry's scar would be. He nodded. "Maybe try thinking before you speak also."

"Me? Think before I speak? Ginny Weasley, do you know me at all?" Harry asked.

"That's why I told you to try. I know you're an idiot like my brothers," she said. "Guess that's over then?"

Harry nodded. "I know it didn't look like it, but I did the breaking up."

"You just did it poorly," Ginny said,

"Very poorly," he replied.

"What happened?" Ginny asked.

Harry shrugged. "Rory got angry with me last night. She told Cho to leave her alone and that she didn't want to talk so, even after going through all the trouble of trying to be friends with her, Cho has undone all of it. And I get to spend three weeks with Rory being angry with me."

"Don't want to deal with the jealousy again," Ginny said,

"Exactly," Harry said, "Especially now that Rory and I were finally getting along."

He hadn't told Rory about his dream and he needed to. She was the only one who was going to understand any of what he was feeling or seeing. And Cho had made sure that Rory was going to avoid him at all costs these next few weeks.

And yet somehow, he felt relieved. Relieved that he didn't have to deal with Cho again. And that he was going to have three weeks away from her and that when he came back he would likely never have to speak to her ever again if he was lucky.

Harry had been devastated when he and Rory broke up. This felt profoundly different.